Generation of a recombinant influenza C virus for the developement of a novel influenza attenuated live vaccine.

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K08845
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 54030:Infectious disease medicine-related
• Research Institution: Iwate Medical University
• Principal Investigator: Yasushi Muraki 岩手医科大学, 医学部, 教授 (00241688)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 吉野 直人 岩手医科大学, 医学部, 特任准教授 (20372881) ; 小田切 崇 岩手医科大学, 医学部, 助教 (80770221)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: インフルエンザ / 弱毒生ワクチン / 組換えウイルス / Master Donor Virus (MDV) / C型インフルエンザウイルス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The current influenza vaccine cannot prevent the onset of influenza as it does not induce mucosal immunity in the upper respiratory tract, the entry site of the virus. To overcome this drawback, live attenuated nasal spray vaccines have been put into practical use, but there are still many challenges to be addressed. In the present study, with the aim of developing an improved live attenuated influenza vaccine, we prepared a novel recombinant influenza C virus and examined its ability to induce mucosal immunity in mice. Valuable insights were obtained regarding the pathogenicity of mouse-adapted influenza A virus, the replication pattern of influenza C virus in mice, and the immunocompetence (IgA level) of the nasal mucosa that should be acquired to prevent infection.

Free Research Field

感染症内科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

インフルエンザに代表される感染症の制御は大きな社会的課題である。抗ウイルス薬と共にワクチンの開発は重要な戦略である。現行のインフルエンザワクチンでは達成できない発症予防効果を目指して鼻腔噴霧する弱毒生ワクチンが実用化されたが、解決すべき課題も多い。本研究は、より良いインフルエンザ弱毒生ワクチンを開発するための基礎研究である。本研究では、そのための基盤となる有用な成績が得られた。